Crop progress report 07/11: Improved crop conditions, progress throughout Washington

From NASS

There were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.5 days the previous week. Statewide temperatures were below normal.

In Skagit County, breaks in the cold weather pattern provided time for producers to get into fields and complete corn planting. Improved weather also helped producers cultivate for weeds and provide some heat units for spring crops to put on some growth.

In north central Washington, wheat looked good with all the spring moisture. Many pastures were holding green much later than normal. Pastures were overall in excellent condition for this time of year. Some producers were just starting first cutting of hay with many producers’ hay crops being rained on. In Klickitat County, most farmers were able to complete their first cutting of hay, although there was still quite a bit to bale.

Winter wheat harvest started on the east side of the county. In Benton and Yakima counties, a light crop of cherries and apricots entered packing houses. More fruit thinning was observed in a few apple orchards. Most hop bines reached the top of the trellises. Summer squash and onions showed up at roadside stands. Flower blossoms and green fruit were visible on the tomato crop, and fruit clusters were visible in grape crops.

In Adams County, farmers were awaiting harvest. Warmer temperatures helped crop progress throughout the area. In southeast Washington, warmer weather was helping crops, but wheat harvest was anticipated to be at least a week out.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat:
1% very poor
3% poor
26% fair
56% good
14% excellent

Spring wheat:
0% very poor
0% poor
4% fair
80% good
16% excellent

Barley:
0% very poor
0% poor
3% fair
82% good
15% excellent

Dry edible peas:
0% very poor
0% poor
8% fair
81% good
11% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat headed:
74% this week
57% last week
100% last year
93% 5-year average

Winter wheat harvested:
2% this week
0% last week
9% last year
4% 5-year average

Barley headed:
84% this week
67% last week
99% last year
91% 5-year average

Alfalfa hay 1st cutting:
96% this week
91% last week
NA last year
NA 5-year average

Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting:
20% this week
15% last week
53% last year
55% 5-year average